Stockeld Park RDA - Help us change lives

Aim

Help us provide free riding sessions for children with disabilities by funding venue hire, ponies, equipment and volunteer training.

Every Tuesday, Lives Are Changed Through Horses.

Each week, (during school term) children from schools across Harrogate and Knaresborough look forward to something very special - their weekly riding sessions with Stockeld Park RDA Group (est 1973).

Some are excited, some are nervous and some have never been close to a horse before.

By the end of the session, there's always a smile.

For some children, it's the highlight of their week. For our volunteers, it's the reason they come back every Tuesday.

For many of the children, riding is about so much more than learning a new skill. It builds confidence, improves balance and coordination, encourages communication and gives them a real sense of achievement. Most importantly, it offers the freedom, enjoyment and unique connection with horses that can have a lasting impact on a child's physical and emotional wellbeing.

None of this would be possible without our incredible volunteers, our wonderful ponies and the generosity of our supporters.

Every Tuesday, our volunteer coaches, pony leaders and side walkers generously give their time to make each session possible. Depending on each rider's needs, every pony is supported by a pony leader and up to two side walkers, ensuring every child receives the encouragement, confidence and support they need throughout their lesson.

Behind the scenes, our volunteer committee works tirelessly throughout the year, organising riding sessions, fundraising, volunteer recruitment and training, safeguarding, administration and everything else needed to keep the group running safely and successfully. It is a true team effort, with everyone giving their time freely because they believe in the difference these sessions make.

Every riding session is completely free for the children who attend.

However, each session currently costs approximately £75 to provide, and those costs continue to rise.

Your donation will help us continue delivering these life-changing sessions by helping to fund pony hire, arena hire, volunteer training, specialist equipment, insurance and other essential running costs.

No matter how small, every donation helps another child experience the joy of riding and the many physical, emotional and social benefits it brings.

Parents' Words

"My daughter got to be part of the horse riding group and I just want to say a huge thank you to all of you. She absolutely loved it and gained so much from the experience,

It was a bright, safe spot for her during a very difficult year where she felt completely isolated at school. The riding group gave her a sense of belonging and a new passion in horse riding.’

Honestly, you will never know how important those sessions were, not only for my daughter, but for us as a family. Thank you."

"– Parent of one of our riders.

Could You Volunteer?

We are always delighted to welcome new volunteers to our friendly team. Whether you have experience with horses or none at all, there are many ways you can make a real difference to the lives of local children.

If you would like to find out more about volunteering, fundraising or supporting Stockeld Park RDA Group, please visit our website:

www.stockeldparkrda.co.uk

We'd love to hear from you.

Thank you for taking the time to visit our page and for supporting Stockeld Park RDA Group.

Your generosity will help us continue providing free riding sessions for local children with disabilities, giving them the opportunity to build confidence, develop new skills, make lasting friendships and experience the incredible difference that horses can make.

Together, we can ensure that every Tuesday continues to bring confidence, achievement and smiles to local children through the unique partnership between horse and rider.

Stockeld Park RDA Group

Registered Charity No. 1073682

 www.stockeldparkrda.co.uk

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 4th October 2026 at 4:58pm